Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Birchwood

"The superbly restored Royal Albert Dock was the first such facility in Britain to be built using only bricks and iron. At its heart is an impressive five-story-high block of buildings surrounding the harbor basin where cotton, tobacco, and sugar were once unloaded. These enormous Victorian structures are built around an arcaded walkway, their cast Tuscan columns once serving as capstans for moored ships."

"There’s just something about being by the water that can be romantic. Royal Albert Dock as the sun sets is divine. [Insert emoji with heart eyes here.] When you head down to the docks and see that view, you can definitely see why it was the perfect setting for a little romancing back in the day for all those sailors that arrived at Liverpool."

"The old weather map from Granada News is long gone, but there are pirate ships and boats to look at. Liverpool is a city in which to wander. You can wander around the dock, have lunch at Pizza Express, have ice cream on the grass and the kids can entertain themselves for hours on the riverfront."

"As Britain’s largest cathedral and the fifth largest in the whole of Europe, Liverpool’s Cathedral is nothing short of impressive. Taking up nearly a whole street, this is a must-visit spot even if just to witness the beautiful interior and exterior. This Neo-Gothic building was opened in 1978 and designed by the same architect who created the iconic red telephone boxes you see all over the United Kingdom."

"The Anglican Cathedral is Britain's largest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe so you know it’s going to be something pretty special. Head inside to take in the cavernous space and stunning architecture or take a trip to the top of the tower for some of the best views over Liverpool. View this post on Instagram"

"Proudly the fifth largest in the world, Liverpool Cathedral is one of the most eye-catching pieces of architecture the city has to offer. The Anglican building is the third tallest in the city and boasts the world’s tallest and widest gothic arches too."

"Right next to the Football Museum, you can find the beautiful Manchester Cathedral. While I have as much with churches as I have with football, I did have a quick look inside and the architecture was beautiful:"

"The Catholic Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral reflects the high proportion of Liverpudlians of Irish origin living in the city. During the Irish emigrations of the 19th and 20th centuries, Liverpool was the principal port of embarkation for the United States, and many emigrants ended up settling in the city. Building began in 1928, although it wasn't actually completed until 1967."

"If you think you’ve seen all styles of cathedrals throughout your travels, think again!. The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral has been nicknamed by locals as “Paddy’s Wigwam”, and when you first lay eyes on it you’ll understand why. The architect who designed this unique cathedral won an international competition in 1962 and the building was completed and opened in 1967."

"One of the things Liverpool is most famous for is The Beatles, so why not make the Fab Four part of your scouse stag weekend?. If the upcoming groom is a fan of Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarines and saying Hey to a certain person called Jude, The Cavern is the ideal place to take him on his Liverpool stag party. Come Together in this nostalgic bar, where Britain’s most famous band started their journey –"

"The Cavern Club is infamous in the music scene as the home of The Beatles during their early years. The Cavern Club originally opened in 1957 as a jazz club and quickly became the hub of rock and roll during the 1960s. John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison each played here with other bands before forming The Beatles."

"While the country house at Hare Hill Hall is privately owned, the garden is cared for by the National Trust. The star here is the walled garden, a blaze of colour in early-summer when the rhododendrons and azaleas burst into flower. There are also uncommon varieties of poppy, iris, lupin, phlox and echinacea."

"Designated as a Grade II listed building, one third of the famous Three Graces, stands the amazing Port of Liverpool Building. Situated at the Pier Head and, along with the neighbouring Royal Liver Building and Cunard Building It is also part of Liverpool’s UNESCO-designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City. Designed in the Edwardian Baroque style, the Port of Liverpool Building is quite monumental in its physical structure, particularly noted for its large impressive dome, which acts as the focal point of the rectangular building."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rept0n1x used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Commonly known as the Dock Office, Port of Liverpool Building features an Edwardian Baroque architectural style, with a large dome at the top, and it has canted corners embellished with stone cupolas. It is among Liverpool’s “Three Graces” together with the Royal Building Liverpool and the Cunard Building, which are in the Pier Head waterfront."

"Another of Liverpool’s Three Graces, the Port of Liverpool Building is Grade II listed and a part of the Liverpool’s UNESCO-designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City. Originally purpose-built as the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, this characteristic, Edwardian Baroque-style building has been standing since 1907. Brunswick Street, Liverpool, UK"

"This little North West city is packed full of unique buildings, and Church bar is one that really stands out from the crowd. As the name suggests this bar is housed in a converted chapel and still has original features like a church organ and stained-glass windows. The front of the bar provides a long outdoor space that is one of the best beer gardens in Chester."

"Pan-Asian food with an infusion of Chinese, Korean and Japanese influences, Fuku is another of Hatch’s hidden gems, offering an array of both traditional-style dishes and innovative fusions. From the classic Katsu curry and salt and pepper chicken, to triple-stacked crispy chicken burgers topped with cheese and spicy mayo – there’s a whole lot of comfort food to go at at Fuku, each dish as mouthwatering as the next. Fuku Food MCR, Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, M1 7ED."

"I’ve been followingFuku Food on Instagram for ages and pre-lockdown they were on my list to visit, so there was no other choice for me. As you can see from the main pic, I ordered the Hot Loaded Fries and they tasted so good!. Expect to find Japanese katsu curry dishes, Korean Fried Chicken, classic salt & pepper dishes and more."

"Don’t be put off by the surroundings and the decor because what key Lime Coffee lacks in personality it makes up for with its fresh leaf teas, coffees and food. They sell a surprisingly large range of vegan cakes and the cafe has a sunny disposition opposite Lime Street Station. The cafe has some comfy seating to the back wall and in the windows."

"Liverpool has such a fantastically friendly community as this cool café goes to show. This independent coffee shop serves freshly prepared brekkie… all day!. They have an American style all-day brunch with lots of gluten-free and veggie-friendly options."

"When visiting Chester, a visit to the Cathedral is a must, whilst there the recently refurbished refectory café, situated in the 13th century monk’s dining hall, is also worth a visit. Here you can relax and enjoy delicious cakes and pastries made fresh, onsite. Traditional Afternoon Tea is £15.00 per person."

"Maray Albert Dock is a chain of restaurant that offers Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. Established in 2014 in Liverpool, they cater to a wide variety of dishes that would surely tempt your palate and whet your appetite. All their dishes are made using the finest meat, vegetables and spices that are mixed together in order to come up with perfect dishes and a wonderful concoction of delicious meals."

"Back in the summer when we had some of the first restrictions, Maray built pods outside its Albert Dock restaurant so groups of up to six could get together outside. Now it’s a bit chillier, the good news is the pods are heated so you have the option to reserve a Quayside Table when you book. And you can always rely on a disco cauli will keep you warm!"

"One of the best restaurants in Liverpool, Maray is serving up Middle Eastern small plates at its venues in Albert Dock, Bold Street and Allerton Road. Grab the gang and settle in for a stunning evening of whole roasted cauliflower, mouthwatering flatbreads and refreshing cocktails."

"Offering up a modern take on the Victorian pub atmosphere, and with roasts of either chicken, beef sirloin or a mushroom wellington, accompanied by “all the trimmings”, served all day every Sunday, it’s not hard to see why The Bay Horse Tavern is a much-loved Northern Quarter hangout. A wide range of starters, desserts and drinks are also available alongside your choice of roast. You can find Sunday menus, more information about COVID-safe guidelines and book your table ahead of reopening via The Bay Horse Tavern website here."

"The Bay Horse Tavern run their bottomless brunch offer between 11 am and 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Food includes yummy brunch classics such as a bacon, sausage and egg sandwich, as well as slightly more unique dishes like a fried banana, bacon, peanut butter and maple syrup croissant, which sounds absolutely banging to me. For £27.50pp, you get one dish and bottomless drinks, and their drinks selection is quite extensive – it even includes Irish coffees!"

"Popular Northern Quarter hangout Bay Horse Tavern has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins on a first-come-first-served basis until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here."